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I have to say, I haven't experienced any torque steer or pulling with my Sedona. However, with my old Grand Caravan, I would experience pulling to the left if the road had much of a crown to it. With a vehicle as heavy as the Sedona, I would imagine that the weight might make it pull to the left (or the down hill side of a road with a good crown).
To initavan:
My choice was between a two - three year old Toyota Sienna and a new Sedona EX. I found I could buy a new Sedona with all the options I wanted, AND the great warranty, for less than I could get a used Toyota. After I got past the apprehension of buying a Korean vehicle, I found no reason why I should get the Toyota, and several reasons why I should get the Sedona.
I have noticed, however, that our van steering is quite sensitive to tire pressures. A tire low by even a few pounds makes the vehicle pull noticeably in that direction. I keep a tire pressure guage in the dash-top glove compartment and try to check the inflation pressures about once a month.
I usually try to do my own, but am out working on an investigation out of town, so had my wife take our 93 EX into the dealer we purchased it from(7k svc was free). Ran $200 which I thought was pretty steep. Haven't sighted the invoice yet, but wife remembers just tire rotation and oil/filter chg. About $15 worth of materials and an hour of time.
Just curious as to other folks cost. Dealership was in Richmond, VA.
I take my 2002 EX to the local KIA dealer, Hart Oldsmobile/KIA here in Salem Va. and it costs me about $35.00 for an oil change and tire rotation
Steve, Host
The manual calls for " SEVERE SERVICE" users to change the tranny fluid at 10-15 K miles.
I have done it twice now myself. It is a drain plug equipped pan.
The fluid level is supposed to be about 6 quarts.
The Fluid is a type developed by Mitsubishi Motors and is called Diamond Star, instead of the DEXTRON for GM or the " Mercon " used by Fords.
The fluid is about $ 5 a quart at the dealer.
I have not seen it anywhere else.
$ 5 X 6 QTs = $ 30
The dealers like to use the " fluid flusher " machine.
They charge $ 69 for that service.
So that would be $ 100 right there.
Then you got the air filter.
The Air filter is $ 16 , labor ? $ 10
So lets say $ 25 ?
The regular oil change would be $ 35.
Now we are up to $ 160.
Tire " balance & Rotation " $ 40 maybe??
They loaded you up!
This is how they make the money.
After the sale none of the dealers want to see a car in the shop unless they can get a few hundred bucks out of it.
Very few ever let you in and out for what something is worth elsewhere.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/2420.html
http://www.euroncap.com/details.php3?id=car_167_2003
The crash test results by US and European governments are very different.
If you refresh, duplicate posts will appear. Thanks,
Steve, Host
Also, Kiiwii- what is the difference between the nhtsa and the Euroncap ratings? It obviously looks as though the van did very well in one and horrible in the other. What's up with this?
Regarding the fix to the keyless entry problem, here's all the info I can provide. First of all, my problem was identical to yours, and it existed from the day I picked the van up. The operation of the keyless remote was intermittent. Sometimes I could be sitting in the front passenger seat and the damn thing wouldn't work (the remote receiver and its antenna are apparently located immediately behind the upper glove box). When it did work, the range was just about as you describe it, i.e. no more than about 10 feet. Before taking it in to the dealership, I changed the battery on the remote, but the problem persisted. I reported it to my dealer on the first service appointment, and they ordered me a new remote. When it came in, they re programmed the receiver and for a while the intermittent problem seemed to go away (albeit with continued crappy range), but eventually it returned to its old pattern of frustratingly spotty operation.
The next visit, the mechanic completely removed the receiver from behind the glove box, and re installed it, with the assumption that maybe there was a poor electrical connection (in fact he said he did find one poorly crimped connector that he replaced). But, no luck.
On a subsequent service appointment for an unrelated problem, the service manager explained that his mechanics had just returned from "Kia School" and during the training it had been demonstrated to them how to improve the range of the keyless remote with the infamous grounding plate. Here's how it was explained to me.
The original, factory-installed receiver was mounted on a plastic plate to isolate it from the van's frame. The signal from the remote was received on a little stub of an antenna hanging off the receiver. The operation of the keyless remote is poor because a) the antenna is so small it picks up very little radio frequency (RF) energy, and b) the body of the van tends to shield the antenna from receiving the RF.
The modification involved removing the plastic plate and somehow bonding the antenna to the frame of the vehicle, effectively turning the metal of the frame into one big antenna. The result was impressive. The range increased from 10 feet to at least 60 feet, and that's in a parking lot full of cars! Line-of-sight, the range is even better.
Interestingly enough, after the modification, the operation was still intermittent (great range, but sometimes wouldn't work at all) and eventually the dealer replaced the entire receiver unit. Since then (summer of 2002) I have had absolutely zero problems with the keyless remote.
It sounds to me that you have the same two problems that I had (poor range AND a faulty receiver). Be persistent (and patient). The problems are fixable. Hopefully this testimonial will help. I'm not aware of any service bulletin that addresses this problem, but it was obviously identified by Kia before I discovered it.
Good luck!
We had only one unscheduled visit (aside from recalls) when the windshield cracked. Others have had this problem. It was replaced under warranty. We like the smooth ride and the great low end torque. The tires (hankooks) never seem to wear. They still look and ride like they are new. The van is a great highway cruiser. I have made four golf trips to Myrtle (from Allentown) with four guys (clubs and luggage)and all of them have nothing but praise for this little Korean. These are "car guys" who can be pretty picky. One has already looked into buying a Sedona for his wife.
What about the negatives?
Thin sheet metal. These vans ding easily. Also, as others have noted, the interior plastic scratches easily. The gas tank never quite seems to get to full. The remote stinks. The seats are bit heavy and not the easiest to take out and put back in. A few more horses under the hood would be nice. The front bumper gets "pock marked" from highway driving.
Our conclusion. Even with the trivial and not so trivial negatives, the vehicle is one heck of a buy. Our experience is that it is a solid, safe, economical, and reliable people mover. Add in the warranty (we extended it to a 10 year bumper to bumper for $600) (( I know, they usually are not worth it, but I was a little concerned about going with a Kia)), and you have a van that competes very favorably with everything else out there.
Unfortunately, I forgot to leave the transmitter at the dealer when we dropped our Sedona off, so they were unable to troubleshoot anything.
Here's the story: After almost exactly 2 years of ownership (bought the second one sold in Tulsa July 2001) and 57000 virtually trouble-free miles, we took our beloved van into the dealer for yet another routine maintenance. Called the shop to see if it was ready and got a VERY pregnant pause followed by "Uh, we have a small problem...."
Seems there was this BIG tow truck on the lot that day who failed to see our van when he backed up. Nailed the right rear corner at somewhere (mustabeen) near freeway speed. Right sliding door, RR quarter panel, glass, entire AC unit, bumper, tailgate, bent rear a-arm, broken wheel. Damage estimate in excess of $5K. Not your usual parking lot damage.
Needless to say, we were NOT pleased.
We really enjoyed our Sedona and were totally happy with it, but were NOT willing to accept an apology and some body work. So, after mentioning the words "lawyer" and "sue", our local Kia dealer proceded to make us the deal of the century on a brand new left-over 2003. Identical color and options EX but with cloth instead of leather (we never really liked the leather - too stiff).
In keeping with our long tradition of mega roadtrips, we just returned from an 11-day, 5000 mile vacation in our new van. Flawless performance, 22.3mpg average including a number of miles through the Rockies.
Call this a testimonial, if you will, about one of the finest car makes on the market today.
We STILL love our Kia!
Please clarify exactly what happened to your first/damaged Sedona - did the dealer fix it for free and return to you, or did you trade it in, or did they buy it back for original purchase price, or...
Hyundai Minivan:
Kia's next-generation Sedona minivan, expected about model-year 2006, will spawn a Hyundai version. It'll be offered in two sizes, like the current Chyrsler minivans. A V-6, similar to the current 3.5-liter Sedona's, will probably be the only engine choice.
Steve, Host
She was taking the kids to school when she ran off the road and tumbled the Sedona down a 50 foot embankment. The only part of the van's body not bent is the rear hatch!
The roof is crushed in front - along with the windshield, the hood is crushed, both front doors are mangled and the glass is busted out, the side mirrors broke off, the sliding doors are bent along with both quarter panels. And the right front tire blew out and is nearly off the rim.
The amazing thing is that even with all that damage, we were able to drive the van out of the ravine and up to street level so it could be loaded onto a roll-back. More amazing is that no one was injured - at all!
Several people commented that our van should be an ad for Kia. I'd have to agree. It was one tough little mini van that "gave its life" to protect my family.
Too many people are winding up with new vans the hard way in here this week!
Steve, Host
I'd also like to see some pics!!
Steve: Yes, they made me a great trade-in deal, fixed the van, and it has now been sold to some unsuspecting buyer. I'm sure they will be OK with it, though. Mechanically, it was still perfect and a hell of a runner.
Glad that nobody was injured.
Would the lifespan of your Sedona be extended if you installed an auxiliary transmission cooler? I have no idea.
There is a new grille, wheels, and I believe some interior enhancements, although I can't see any.
I tow at no more than 65 and turn off the OD in hilly areas.
No problems noted. Also please note the following from the KIA (UK) site. And this is with a 2.5l V-6.
Max towing weight (kg):
Trailer with brakes 2,000
Trailer without brakes 570
Max ball weight 80
Max permissible weight (kg) 2,665
I'm guessing that US specs are lower probably due to legal considerations.
I see not much is going on here. I guess no news is good news, huh?
My mother's Sportage is still doing fine. 53,000 miles and not a bit of trouble.
Meanwhile, still waiting to hear from insurance, but I have a few quotes on a replacement. Both are new '03 Sedona EXs. Prices are out-the-door inclusive of all fees, taxes, incentives, etc.
1st quote:
- Anti lock brakes
- Leather
- Sunroof
- Rear Spoiler
- Tow Hitch
$22,338.71
2nd quote:
- Rear Spoiler
- Tow Hitch
$21,146.60
What do you guys think?
I disregarded the dealers who responded with "call me". About 50% responded that way, the others usually would give a quote. Some high, some low...make sure you ask for an out the door quote, as some lowballers try to make it up in fees.
(One guy in Hampton, VA actually gave me an MSRP quote on a demonstration model. Guess he thought I fell off the turnip truck that morning).
Does that price include the owner loyalty bonus? If so, seems to be a bit stiff on an 03 model.
I guess great minds do think alike! The 2 quotes I have are internet quotes - requested them from 5 dealers Monday. Only 2 have responded so far. The quotes are for drive out cash prices supposedly including ALL rebates. Yeah, they look a little high to me, too. But after all, they're just starting places...
If you plan to keep the van for the long term, I like the lower initial price of 'last year's model' (the 2003). Bigger rebate and larger discounts. 5-6 years from now, a single model year won't make much difference in the depreciation the van has incurred.
Also try carsdirect.com.
$18,932 plus rebates of $3,000 = 21,932
Add 6% tax on that: $1135.92 = $20,067.92
Add title fee of $18 = $20,085.92
$21,146.60 - 20,085.92 = $1060.68 which makes it look like they have some very high "documentation fee" or something added in there. But I thought maybe the $18,932 didn't include the destination charges. Who knows?
That van doesn't really have all the options I want anyway. Wife likes it 'cuz it's the cheapest. I'm also working with a local dealer on a loaded model - but I don't have a quote on it yet.
It'll all work out. Somehow.
I'm just bummed that the van needed to be repaired two days after I took delivery. Oh well, it's fixed and hopefully it won't happen again.
Another question, has anyone had a roof mounted DVD system installed. Not sure of the mounting process, but with the powered sunroof, how is this done. I think video headrests are the way to go. Please advise.
Both are available in a broad range grade that covers low and high tempoerature operations.
Sytec - 50 50 W
Mobil1 - 15 - 50 W
I agree that the headrest LCD option is probably best. You might take a look at mcminone.com for pricing. OTOH, the flip tray works fine as a platform to place the portable DVD player.
Dan